Route guide
Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Denver: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 960 mi
- Typical flight time
- 2 h 15 min – 3 h 15 min
- Airports
- 3 × 1
- Time difference
- 1 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between San Francisco and Denver: which airports to compare, how long the trip takes, and when it is busy. It works for either direction. For a price on your dates, ask a specialist.
Quick answer: San Francisco to Denver is about 960 miles (1,540 km) and a typical flight takes 2 h 15 min to 3 h 15 min. Denver is 1 hour ahead of San Francisco. San Francisco has 3 airports to compare and Denver has 1.
Airport pairs to compare
The Bay Area has three major airports, and the best one depends on where you are staying. SFO is the main gateway, with Oakland and San Jose as alternatives. Denver's airport lies on the plains northeast of the city, roughly 25 miles from downtown, so ground transport time matters.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| SFO to DEN | San Francisco International | Denver International |
| OAK to DEN | Oakland International | Denver International |
| SJC to DEN | San Jose Mineta International | Denver International |
About the airports
- SFO · San Francisco International
The main airport, south of the city, with a BART connection. - OAK · Oakland International
A good alternative if you are staying in the East Bay or want a smaller airport. - SJC · San Jose Mineta International
A convenient choice for Silicon Valley and the South Bay. - DEN · Denver International
Sits roughly 25 miles northeast of downtown, with a commuter rail line to Union Station.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At San Francisco: United Airlines, Alaska Airlines
- At Denver: United Airlines, Southwest Airlines
United Airlines has a base at both ends, which can make nonstop service more likely. Schedules change, so a specialist confirms what actually operates on your dates.
When to go and what to expect
San Francisco
Late summer and early fall tend to be the warmest and clearest months. Summer mornings are often foggy.
Denver
Ski season (roughly late November through April) and summer are the busiest periods. Winter storms can disrupt flights, and spring snow is not unusual.
How long is San Francisco to Denver?
At about 960 miles, San Francisco to Denver is a short-to-medium flight. Fares on routes this length are sensitive to the day of the week and the time of day, so check a few departure times before you settle.
Time zones and timing
Denver is 1 hour ahead of San Francisco, so you land at a local time 1 hour later than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination.
Getting between the airport and town
San Francisco: BART trains connect SFO and Oakland to the wider region, which avoids freeway traffic.
Denver: The A Line commuter train runs from the airport to Union Station downtown. Shuttles and rental cars serve the mountains.
Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.
Good to know
- Check every airport pairing when you compare fares. Schedules and airline options can differ between them.
- Fog can cause delays at SFO, particularly in the morning. Check all three airports when you compare fares.
- If you are heading to a ski area, allow extra time on mountain roads in winter, and watch the forecast before travel day.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Denver to San Francisco?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from San Francisco or all flights from Denver.
Frequently asked questions
How far is San Francisco from Denver?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 960 miles (1,540 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from San Francisco to Denver?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 2 h 15 min to 3 h 15 min in the air, depending on winds, the aircraft and the airports. Connecting itineraries take longer, and nonstop availability depends on the airline and dates.
Which airports can I use?
At San Francisco: SFO (San Francisco International), OAK (Oakland International), SJC (San Jose Mineta International). At Denver: DEN (Denver International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
Denver is 1 hour ahead of San Francisco.
When is the best time to fly from San Francisco to Denver?
In San Francisco: Late summer and early fall tend to be the warmest and clearest months. Summer mornings are often foggy. In Denver: Ski season (roughly late November through April) and summer are the busiest periods. Winter storms can disrupt flights, and spring snow is not unusual. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.
Which airlines should I compare for San Francisco to Denver?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines. A specialist compares them with other carriers on your dates, since schedules and availability change.
Do you show fares on this page?
No. Fares change constantly, so we do not publish prices that might be out of date. A specialist checks live availability and confirms the full total, including taxes and bags, before you pay.
Route details updated October 18, 2026.